Even before Mackensie Alexander got hurt, the Vikings were using Terence Newman in the same capacity as last year, in a nickel role on running downs. Mike Hughes in on a more obvious passing situation on the last play.

Kirk Cousins said this week he'd likely need to check the ball down quite a bit against the Jaguars' defense after seeing how much their defenders are dropping into zones with their eyes on the QB. Certainly been the case so far.

The Vikings have played their starters late into the second quarter during the second preseason game the last two years, so we'll see more of the first-team offense. A couple high throws from Cousins on that stalled drive.

Vikings honoring Tony Sparano with a moment of silence and pregame video. Offensive lines for both teams serving as honorary captains today, in addition to Sparano's wife Jeanette and his son Tony Jr., who is the Jaguars' assistant offensive line coach.

It's the same as it's been the last couple years, but as we start the new season, it bears repeating: I dig the Vikings' intro production. I'm a sucker for pregame histrionics, and these are really good.

Walk out onto the field at US Bank Stadium for my first NFL game, anxiety levels high and as though God himself is talking to me, I hear @tylerrjoseph singing the bridge of #jumpsuit and I immediately feel a calm come over me